AHMA measure of industry confidence climbs slightly

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association’s AHMA Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index improved in September to 237.5 from 229.2 in August (October 2008 = 100), while the Future Expectations Index declined slightly to 187.9 from 193.1.

In comparing current sales levels with year-ago levels, 57% of respondents said sales were higher in September versus year-ago levels, up from 55% in August. For September, 21% reported sales were even, and 21% said sales were below year-ago levels.

“September marks the third consecutive month wherein our members have reported higher sales than the preceding month," said Timothy Farrell, president and CEO of the Schaumburg, Ill.-based AHMA. "However, it also marks the third consecutive month where they have forecast future sales to be either flat or even with current levels."

Looking forward six months, 50% of September respondents said they expect sales to be above current levels, up from 48% in August. In September, 46% of respondents said they expect sales to be even in six months and 4% expect sales to be below current levels.

Looking forward one year, 59% of respondents project sales will be higher, down from 64% who felt that way in August. Forty-one percent of September respondents project sales will be even one year from now and 0% project sales will be below current levels.